Hi all. I’m a 50 year old man who has always identified with both genders, with the balance leaning towards the opposite of my birth assigned gender. I have lived with that assigned gender identity though. I married, had kids, and have only ever been attracted to women (with the rare sapiophile based exception). I find myself single, with kids grown, an exceptionally accepting family (though I’ve told none of my gender identity questions, they have fully accepted others who have presented to them) … and I find myself at a crossroads. I have always felt like I am in somebody else’s body - and embraced that … dare I say, even at times, enjoyed it. But, it has never felt like me. I have dressed as woman privately, and while that feels comforting at times, it doesn’t feel like me either … the closest I get is feeling like somebody trying to dress up or imitate the real me. So, I guess I’m here to try and find out who I am, and who I want to present as - hoping to gain wisdom on that from the experience of others.
Thanks. I’ve found some of it already, in realizing I am less alone than I thought I was. I’m still figuring it all out … but it feels like this is a good, safe place to help accomplish that.
Unidentified.....Hello and a great big LGBTQIA+ welcome to Empty Closets! I can remember the first post that I made on EC. I was desperate for help and I got the help that night that I so needed. I hope that we can help you in the same way that I received help. The most important thing to remember about Empty Closets is that we do care about you! We're very glad that you found us here on EC and hope that we can answer questions, give you support and provide a place to vent (as long as it's not violent!) when that becomes necessary! *****There are 18 different sub-forums here that you can check out and join in the conversations or start your own thread/conversation. In particular you may want to check out the forum that is titled "Gender Identity and Expression”, there are people there who have dealt with some of the same kind of issues that could be challenging you. When you have made at least 10 posts on various threads you will be able to post messages on a member's Profile Page. Just click on a member's Avatar Picture and then click on "Profile Page" in the dialogue box that pops up. You'll then be on their Profile Page and there will be a box that says: "Write Something" When you have been on EC for a few weeks and have made at least 50 posts on various forums, you can apply for Full Membership. A Full Member can send Private Messages (PM) to other Full Members and share personal contact info. Right now you can only send a PM to a Staff Member as that is always possible. Here is a quote from the Full Membership information forum: *****To be eligible you must be a member of Empty Closets for a minimum of two weeks, and have a minimum of 50 posts. These posts must be across numerous forums (Fun & Games does not contribute to post count), and consistently posted across a minimum of two weeks. You wouldn't be eligible, for example, if you registered, had no activity for two weeks, and then returned to post 50 times on your 14th day of membership. *****Well, as I said, we're very glad you found us! If you have any questions at all, you can post a question on my Profile Page or send me a Private Message. .....David
Hi there and welcome to the community! It's great that you have decided to join. Hopefully you will find some of the answers you are looking for.